Phoenix needs more police officers. I think people forget that. After much prayer and consideration and in consultation with my family and city leadership, I have decided to make a change," Williams said in a tweet. DOJ investigators came to Phoenix to speak with Williams, who was teaching officers de-escalation tactics. Its not just about that specific individual Jeri Williams, its about everyone directly underneath the Chief and who has been in the way of providing accountability and transparency to the community and very sensitive subject matters. Although, I have only gotten to know her over this last year, there simply couldnt be a more deserving person for retirement.Chief Williams served her first 22 years in Phoenix and left our department as an Assistant Chief to become Chief of Police in the City of Oxnard, California. and help keep the future of New Times, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our. A lot has been going on. They said that since the dollar store wasnt interested in prosecuting the couple, no charges were filed. MORE: Phoenix police chief, officers disciplined after investigation into gang charges, challenge coins, Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton said of her announcement, "This is a personal decision. The men and women on the frontlines deserve more support and resources, in an effort to make our City safer for our cops and residents.". The National Anthem has become so center, especially this year. I will represent us because I think thats what law enforcement is supposed to do., We will continue to increase trust and continue our tradition of both protecting and serving our community.. . See All. PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- A week after announcing her retirement, Phoenix police chief Jeri Williams sat down with Arizona's Family to discuss her decision on Tuesday. This incident isnt getting lost on me by any stretch of the imagination, she said, in part. Bookmark +, Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams will retire this summer after 33 years in law enforcement. Want to learn more about our upcoming events? The couple had two college-aged sons, Alan and Cody. "prioritize family and explore future opportunities", charged with criminal gang activity in 2020. Williams worked through the ranks eventually becoming an Assistant Chief before moving to Oxnard California in 2011 to serve as the Police Chief. What the report does not state is that police gave mixed commands, held the family at gunpoint, threatened to shoot and kill them, and manhandled, indeed assaulted, court documents allege, Ames, Harper and her baby she was holding. KTARs Corbin Carson contributed to this report. In 2016, then-Pres. She returned to the Phoenix Police Department in 2016 as Police Chief.<br><br> "Chief Williams has devoted her professional career to the city she loves," said City Manager Jeff Barton. This is the same police department that just one week earlier made headlines for 97 officers offensive Facebook posts calling black people thugs and Muslims rapists and encouraging violence against protesters https://t.co/cQBMnUstsY, Meg O'Connor (@megoconnor13) June 16, 2019, Williams said the language and terminology used in the posts are embarrassing and disturbing.. #shesback #blessed, BigSauce (@alantwilliams) July 13, 2016. A band played in front of Phoenix police headquarters on Monday to celebrate the departure of Chief Jeri Williams. pic.twitter.com/iYWtmD9PDo, Williams did not set a specific date for her last day, saying only that it will be sometime this summer. She also did not elaborate on her plans for the future. Shes left big shoes to fill, but I know the Phoenix Police force has some of the most outstanding individuals, and we will find a worthy replacement to carry on Jeris legacy. RELATED: 'No credible evidence': Phoenix police ignored problems with charging BLM protesters as gang members, report says. "After the National Anthem, say a prayer, I touch my chest, they touch their chest," he said. She was promoted to assistant chief before moving to California to become police chief with the Oxnard Police Department. Phoenix's independent source of I look forward to working alongside the community to make this possible. Here's a timeline of Phoenix police cases that may be investigated by the Department of Justice, 'No credible evidence': Phoenix police ignored problems with charging BLM protesters as gang members, report says, La jefa de polica de Phoenix, Jeri Williams, anuncia su retiro. Phoenix PD chief disciplined, others demoted after probes into gang charges and challenge coin. Copyright 2022 KTVK/KPHO. VERSIN EN ESPAOL: La jefa de polica de Phoenix, Jeri Williams, anuncia su retiro. Chief Jeri Williams Addresses Offensive Facebook Posts Made by Current and Former Phoenix Officers, Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams on offensive Facebook posts written by current and former officers that were found in a review by Buzzfeed News in partnership with Injustice Watch. At a time when police officers citywide are facing a surge in violent incidents and the department is transferring dozens of experienced detectives back to patrol - decimating entire investigative units - our city needs a Chief focused not merely on answering emergency calls, but on responding effectively to cut crime. Alan, the eldest, was picked up by the. Officers at the department in 2018 shot at 44 people and killed 23 of them, leading the nation that year in police shootings of civilians. As a 33-year law enforcement veteran, Chief Williams has devoted her life to protecting our community. Jeri Williams, the first woman to become Chief of Police for the city of Phoenix; Cody Williams, her husband, a former councilman. Chief Williams did an incredible job for the citizens of Phoenix. The chief also had two recent deaths on both sides of her family.". Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1. Statement from Mayor Kate Gallego on the retirement announcement of @PhoenixPolice Chief Jeri Williams. "It's the biggest blessing. "After much prayer and consideration and in consultation with my family and city leadership, I have decided to make a change," Chief Williams said in a statement. PHOENIX - Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams said a number of factors played a role in her decision to retire from the department but heeding the "call to service" will remain part . Nearly 200 guns were caught at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport security checkpoints in 2022, the fifth most in the country. Just as her son realizes his dream to play in the NBA for the Phoenix Suns. PHOENIX (KSAZ) - They're a power family for sure. The investigation is looking into uses of force, how officers respond to situations and alleged discrimination. To help you get to know the chief a little better, we put together the following: Williams will be the first female to lead the citys police force and will take over for current Chief Joe Yahner in October, when the latter retires. Of the 12, half are women of color. The Phoenix Police Department has faced numerous controversies under Williams' tenure. big time for the great city of Phoenix! A crowd cheered in the summer heat as temperatures reached the high 90s. Physical Address: 2643 E. University Drive Phoenix, AZ 85034. Example video title will go here for this video. Williams, a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Major Cities Chiefs Association and the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police, was named one of Arizonas 48 Most Intriguing Women by the Arizona Centennial Legacy Project, in partnership with the Arizona Historical Society and the Arizona Community Foundation for her leadership in the law enforcement profession. In 2016, apparently just before leaving Oxnard, was recognized as California Assembly District 44 Woman of the Year for her leadership and outstanding accomplishments as Chief of the Oxnard Police Department.. We have not seen that in 5 years, not seen that in 15 years, and its time for us to look at that more holistic standpoint--a much more honest, transparent standpoint.. Pass it along to the KTAR News team here. A 28-year law enforcement veteran, Williams came of age in the Phoenix Police Department but after 22 years, and making her way to the rank of assistant chief, took the job as the police chief in Oxnard, California. The other two,Assistant Phoenix Police Chief Mike Kurtenbach and Assistant Washington, D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham, each had two years fewer experience than Williams. Two Phoenix sixth grade students required medical attention Wednesday morning after reportedly consuming marijuana edibles, authorities said. Were still servants to this community, and thats not going to change., Williams also described the changes social media and cellphone videos have brought law enforcement since shes been in the line of duty for over three decades. Hobb's proposed rolling back of school vouchers in Arizona, Netflix is hiring a flight attendant for one of its private jetsand the job pays up to $385,000, Thinx period underwear lawsuit over PFAS settles for $4 million, Helicopter crashes near Kyiv, multiple deaths reported, 300 campers stranded at Catalina State Park in Tucson due to flooding: report, Suspect shot during attempted robbery at Avondale gas station, 2 arrested months after deadly El Mirage shooting. Have a story idea or tip? "Todays announcement by Chief Jeri Williams marks a shift for our city. Its no stretch to say that relations between police and the public in America are strained. They're great people. Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams and City of Phoenix City Manager Ed Zuercher, who is set to retire in October, discuss the DOJ's investigation into the ci. Theres no disputing what was done and said as its on video, but Phoenix police appear to say the actions of its officers, while disturbing were somehow justified. It showed how great of fans we have here in Phoenix. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. She was an assistant chief with the Phoenix PD in 2011 when she was named chief of the Oxnard (CA) Police Department. "It was one of the coolest things ever got to see because they not only saw her as a chief of police, but as a member of the community. Still getting paid they earn more than $72,000 a year for desk duty.. Chief Jeri Williams, Phoenix Police. Just like when I felt called to do this job, I also feel called right now to go in a new direction, allowing me the rare opportunity to prioritize family and explore future endeavors. In August 2021, the Department of Justice announced it would be investigating the City of Phoenix and the Phoenix Police Department. Hes more than likely done this before & his rank probably knows about it. My oldest boy still plays basketball. By clicking the submit button below, you are agreeing with Bobit Business Medias Privacy Policy and this outlined level of consent. PO Box 24070 Phoenix, AZ 85074-4070. #MeaganHockaday Killed By An Officer In Oxnard, California http://t.co/1CtxksCWiY pic.twitter.com/DOnMxdyTUk. Her passion for this community, her leadership through challenging times and her commitment to reforming and evolving the Phoenix Police Department will be missed as she makes this decision to retire.". I also think his chain of command should face a review as well. 2023 FOX Television Stations, from THU 12:00 AM MST until THU 9:00 AM MST, Northwest Pinal County, from WED 10:00 PM MST until THU 9:00 AM MST, Western Pima County including Ajo/Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Tohono O'odham Nation including Sells, Tucson Metro Area including Tucson/Green Valley/Marana/Vail, South Central Pinal County including Eloy/Picacho Peak State Park, Southeast Pinal County including Kearny/Mammoth/Oracle, from FRI 6:00 AM MST until FRI 6:00 PM MST, Chinle Valley, Chuska Mountains and Defiance Plateau, Little Colorado River Valley in Navajo County, Little Colorado River Valley in Apache County, White Mountains, Black Mesa Area, Northeast Plateaus and Mesas South of Hwy 264, from THU 8:00 PM MST until FRI 2:00 PM MST, Kaibab Plateau, Marble and Glen Canyons, Grand Canyon Country, Coconino Plateau, Yavapai County Mountains, Northeast Plateaus and Mesas Hwy 264 Northward, Little Colorado River Valley in Coconino County, Western Mogollon Rim, Eastern Mogollon Rim, Northern Gila County, Yavapai County Valleys and Basins, Oak Creek and Sycamore Canyons, from WED 1:46 PM MST until FRI 8:00 AM MST, Graham County, Jeri Williams' full statement on retirement, Looking for love? 1:43PM. You can change your choices at any time by visiting your privacy controls. But pulling a gun on an unarmed pregnant woman and her infant and toddler while doing the same and then assaulting her fiance, has ignited global outrage. Cody Jr. is away at college. A police officer in certain places wouldn't have gotten that same reception," said Alan. I applaud Chief Williams for her accomplishments and for her leadership," Gallego said in a statement. Powered by. KTAR.com. Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams speaks FOX 10's Troy Hayden and Syleste Rodriguez on her plans to retire from law enforcement this summer. I will be your representative. ", "Chief Jeri Williams did an amazing job at the City of Phoenix given the toxic attacks on police we have witnessed in the past two years. She was one of three candidates for the job. Williams said she is proud of several things. By Monday, Williams was sort of apologizing. She received many awards, led parades and was a Woman of the Year. Then, City Manager Jeff Barton says, a nationwide search for a permanent replacement will happen later. Would love your thoughts, please comment. What they do is great and is important for the community, but who they are is why I am who I am today. "I think it speaks to her ability to work with a lot of different groups being a leader of those agencies is even harder.". In a statement, police claimed that the couple had stolen underwear from the dollar store and said that they quickly drove away and were pursued. The group led many of the police reform protests in Phoenix a couple of years ago. And Alan turned that into a career. On the Phoenix Police Department website, Williams bio describes her as an accomplished police executive.. How does that feel to be back in the city where you raised your kids? @PhoenixPolice. We managed to bring her home from California in October 2016 to serve as our Police Chief. Among her accomplishments as chief, many highlight the deployment of body-worn cameras for all officers and the modernization of training. Bookmarked content can then be accessed anytime on all of your logged in devices! "Being a police officer is one of the most challenging jobs anyone could ever choose to take on and being a chief is even harder," said Anderson. Whether Alan chooses to stand or kneel, that's Alan's choice, but do know that anything he chooses to do or not do could impact one and other.". Williams is married to Judge Cody Williams, a justice of the peace in south Phoenix, for 24 years. Proudest moment will still and always be the work that weve done within the department. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. AND, if laws have been found to have been broken, he should be harshly punished to set an example. She moved to Oxnard, California to head up the department there in 2011, and then returned to Phoenix to take over the police department in 2016. The Arizona Court of Appeals rejected the state Republican Partys argument that mail-in voting violates the state Constitution. Contrast this with the incident the other day when Deputy US Marshals shot & killed an armed, violent, individual they were trying to arrest in Tennesseeresulting in a low end riot requiring substantial local LE backup/assistance.